Programme 2026

Tuesday February 3rd   CRICKET, GUNPOWDER AND GRAVES

South East Blue Badge Guide Karen Emery illustrates her research project revealing fascinating social and economic histories of green historic spaces of Sheppey, Sittingbourne and Faversham; includes public parks, cemeteries, quarries and former gunpowder works.

Tuesday March 3rd   ONE LANE TWO PARISHES

PART TWO of Carol Davis’ research on Herne’s Braggs Lane, discovering families who once lived in this rural part of the parish; names include: Collard, Keen, Strand, Ruck, Bauser, Brice, Amos and Palmer.

Tuesday April 7th   A SHORT WALK ON A LONG PIER

Margaret Burns looks at the history of, and life around, Herne Bay’s three piers.  Built for passenger steamers the earliest wooden pier gradually rotted away; the second was too short; whilst the 20th century one suffered serious damage in the 1978 storm.

Tuesday May 5th RAMSGATE TUNNELS

Ramsgate Tunnels Education Outreach Manager, Lynn Turner, reveals stories of life in the tunnels from early days of WW2 when the system evolved into an underground city with over 1,000 permanent residents, to the exploits of later urban residents.

Tuesday June 2nd ISLANDS OF THE MEDWAY ESTUARY

We welcome Adam Smith, an experienced canoeist who has explored the Medway islands, their salt marshes and their flora and fauna. Combined with historical research. He brings to life the Islands’ people, their builds and secrets including the infamous Deadman’s island story.

SATURDAY July 11th  VISIT TO THE GARDENS

 at South Lodge, Herne, courtesy of John and Julia Davison.  Once part of Strode Park Estate this historic rambling garden holds many surprises at each twist and turn.  (TICKET EVENT)

Programme 2025

February 4th      RNLI   saving lives at sea  

Dave Parry takes us through his work and experiences  as Helm and  Mechanic  at Whitstable Lifeboat Station.

 March 4th     one lane two parishes    

Carol Davis shares her research on Herne’s Braggs Lane, situated on the edge of Blean Woods in both parishes of Chislet and Herne; including its inhabitants and their livelihoods.

April 1st   MAISON DIEU DOVER   

Heritage and Learning Officer Martin Crowther presents an illustrated talk about the restoration of today’s Dover Town Hall - once a place of refuge for pilgrims and destitute soldiers.

May 6th    Herne’s  bloomin  vicars

Margaret Burns introduces two of Herne’s past clergy well known for their Rose Growing horticultural  prize winning achievements.

June 3rd   the Cinque ports  

We welcome Len Howell and his illustrated talk on the Cinque Ports, formed in the 11th century as a group of important trading and defence ports along our South East coast.

July 1st  Outside Visit 

GUIDED TOUR of ST PETER’S CHURCH WHITSTABLE

“Those with eyes - and the mind to seek it out will find an unexpected Architectural Treasure, a Small Oasis of Calm and Beauty tucked away from the hurly-burly of twenty-first century life…..” by HISTORIAN Dr David Wright MA, PhD, FSG.

Meeting starts 2.00 pm Followed by Refreshments

“St Peter’s church has origins in the 1870s as a chapel-of-ease to minister to those living near the harbour…” 

Tickets £6. per person now available at meetings 

September 2nd  MY TRIP ALONG THE STOUR   

One time Blean Woods Warden, Michael Walter takes us on an ‘armchair walk’ to discover wildlife and nature’s sights along the riverbank.

October 7th How The Great War Changed Kent 

With Remembrance Day in mind, Military Historian Dr Martin Watts explores the connections between Kent and the armed forces and its influences on our county.

 November 4th Films from our archives

Plus our AGM

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For more information contact Sylvia McKean 01227 281257 smckean22@tiscali.co.uk - the Group’s website Herne and Broomfield Local History, or find us on Facebook